The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 517

The sudden voice caught everyone off guard, and all eyes turned to the second floor.

A tall man leaned nonchalantly against the upstairs banister, his elegant fingers resting casually on the polished rail. Even with his detached expression, there was no hiding his air of authority and privilege.

Not recognizing the newcomer, several heads swiveled toward Mamie. "Mamie, who's that?"

Mamie spoke up, "That's Sebastian Vesper, Chairman of the Stellaris Group."

Someone swallowed hard, disbelief clear in his tone. "Wait, you mean *the* Stellaris Group? As in, the head of Shadow Syndicate?"

Mamie nodded. "That's right."

"Unbelievable! I can't believe he's actually here."

"I've only ever heard about him in rumors," someone else whispered. "This is the first time I've ever seen President Vesper in person."

"Tonight is worth it," another murmured. "President Carmichael, President Vesper, and Ms. Glenwood-the woman who developed the NecroBlitz Tablets. Honestly, just getting in good with any one of them would be a win."

Someone, still reeling, eyed Mamie and couldn't help but ask, "Mamie, you actually know President Vesper?"

Mamie shook her head. "Not really. His secretary reached out and asked if President Vesper could attend, so I sent an invitation." She couldn't imagine ever being in direct contact with a man like him otherwise.

and Theo stared at

he doing here? Since when did he become

in disbelief. "No way Sebastian's the

they

a long moment, no one

was Sebastian Vesper's first public appearance, but his reputation preceded him. Everyone wanted the NecroBlitz Tablets, but nobody was foolish enough to cross someone of his stature. Besides, he'd already driven the bidding sky-high, well beyond what most of them could afford. Even if they

cleared his throat. "Fifty billion, going

didn't get to

voice rang out from the

It was Citrine

The moment she met

And if he was calling the shots then the score from the fast

once, she felt a spark of

a sly, challenging smile.

perch above, Sebastian's expression darkened, lips flattening, eyes

stared down at her in silence, but even that single look was enough to send shivers through

however, seemed utterly unfazed. Her smile only grew

standoff, Sebastian